Johnny Brady
Question:40 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the outcome of his recent discussions with the US Secretary of Agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/00]
Written Answers. - World Trade Organisation Negotiations.
The purpose of my recent discussions with the US Secretary of Agriculture was to exchange views on the current World Trade Organisation negotiations on agriculture and on other issues of common interest.
I outlined to Secretary Glickman the EU preparations for the WTO negotiations in the form of the Agenda 2000 agreement on CAP reform and the EU priority concern to protect the multifunctional role of European agriculture. From an Irish point of view, I emphasised the importance of agriculture and food exports and explained the concerns for Ireland in the forthcoming negotiations. It was agreed that there were many areas of mutual interest between the EU and the US within the WTO framework.
I also briefed Secretary Glickman on progress in negotiations on the future enlargement of the EU, with particular reference to their links with the WTO negotiations.
Other current issues which were discussed included imports of US hormone-free beef into the EU, the efforts to resolve the international trade dispute in relation to the EU bananas regime, and the current debate about genetically modified organisms.
The discussions were cordial and useful and have contributed to a better understanding by Ireland and the US of our respective positions.